Convey is common, but it follows a specific grammatical pattern. A sentence can sound fluent while still getting that pattern wrong.
Convey does not take two consecutive objects. Say "convey the update to them," not "convey them the update." Use "to" for the recipient and "through" or "by" for the medium. Use "with" for a genuine instrument or method. Do not use "about" as a replacement object, and for documents, avoid "into."
No double object
Convey works like "explain" or "describe," not like "tell" or "give." An indirect object cannot come right before the direct object.
"I will convey the update to them" — correct. "I will convey them the update" — wrong.
This is a common grammatical error with "convey," and it is difficult to notice because the sentence may sound natural.
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See how Lyra Practice works →The preposition pattern
After that rule, select a preposition based on the next phrase's function.
"To" marks the recipient.
"She conveyed confidence through her steady tone" — the medium. "He conveyed authority with a firm handshake" — a genuine instrument. "Please convey with the client that we're on track" — wrong. "With" here is misused as a recipient marker; it should be "convey to the client."
"Through" and "by" mark the communication channel or method. They do not identify the recipient. A true instrumental "with" can mark an instrument or method, but it cannot identify the recipient.
"The CEO conveyed the new strategy" — correct. "The CEO conveyed about the new strategy" — wrong; "about" is a stand-in for a direct object that convey doesn't need. "We should convey this into the report" — wrong; use "include this in the report" instead.
Clauses and the passive form are both correct
"Convey that [clause]" is grammatically correct, and so is the passive form "was conveyed to [someone]." Do not avoid these forms or call them stylistically weaker.
"The decision was conveyed to employees in writing" — a correct, natural passive, not a weaker substitute for an active sentence.
The trap: rejecting a correct "with"
Do not treat every instrumental "with" as wrong. It is wrong when it marks a recipient, so avoid "convey with the client." A true instrument is different; thus, "convey confidence with a steady tone" is correct.
These uses appear similar because both have "with" before a noun phrase. Identify the role of that noun phrase. Is it the person receiving the message, or is it the instrument or method that conveys it?
Practice scenarios
Practice the full grammar pattern for convey in these situations.
- fixing a sentence that puts the recipient directly after convey with no preposition
- choosing between "to," "through," "by," and "with" for a given sentence
- telling a correct instrumental "with" apart from an incorrect recipient-marking "with"
- confirming that a clause or passive form of convey is grammatical, not a shortcut
Useful practice phrases to try.
- "I will convey the update to them, not convey them the update."
- "She conveyed confidence through her tone."
- "He conveyed authority with a firm handshake."
- "The decision was conveyed to employees in writing."
Convey the update to them.
Never convey them the update.
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